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Annual high-level UN Commission session to examine intersection of regional cooperation and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Asia-Pacific

The 73rd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) opens on 15 May 2017, with countries set to discuss how greater economic cooperation and integration in the region can help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Comprising two parts, the annual session will include the senior officials segment from 15 to 17 May, in preparation for the ministerial segment, which will be held from the afternoon of 17 May to 19 May at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok.

The high-level dialogue of leaders in the morning of 18 May will provide a platform for countries to share their priorities and perspectives on regional economic cooperation as a means to achieving the SDGs. At the same time, there is strong recognition that the 2030 Agenda provides a sustainable approach for the region to become more closely integrated economically, and better connected through roads and other infrastructure, while ensuring the ability to rebound from natural disasters and other shocks to the system.

In the afternoon of 18 May, the Commission will take up the theme topic, ‘Regional cooperation for sustainable energy.’ Ministers will share their countries' policy approaches to ensuring access to energy sources, transitioning from traditional sources of energy and other collaborative opportunities they see ahead.

Thursday, 18 May 2017
10:30-12:00 High-level dialogue on Regional Economic Cooperation and Integration in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

12:00-13:00 Side event on Towards SDG7 - Empowering the Excluded with Affordable and Clean Energy, hosted by the Government of Bangladesh

13:00-14:00 Side event on Building Regional Resilience for Water-related Disaster Risks, hosted by the Government of Japan

14:00-15:30 Ministerial round table on the Role of Regional Cooperation in a Changing Energy Scene

Friday, 19 May 2017
09:00-10:00 Side event and High-level consultation on Oceans and Seas in Asia-Pacific, hosted by the Government of Fiji

10:00-11:30 Ministerial panel on the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2017
13:00-14:00 Side event on the launch of the Social Panorama publication, hosted by the Government of Sri Lanka

Media Accreditation
For media registration, please provide us with the following information (First Name; Last Name; Nationality; ID/Passport Number; Email Address; Mobile No; Organization/New Agency, as well as the latest electronic copy of a passport-sized photo for printing the badge in advance) and please email to [email protected]

Media Facilities
Journalists will have access to a Media Centre at the UN Conference Centre equipped with Internet, Wi-Fi, desktops, printers, and photocopier.